Family Resource Center in Sterling is being recognized for adopting a Breastfeeding Friendly Workplace Policy. This policy was created in cooperation with the Northeast Colorado Health Department to support postpartum mothers returning to work by providing accommodations to enable them to continue to offer breast milk to their nursing child. More than three out of four women choose to nurse their baby, and many plan to continue once they return to work.

Colorado passed legislation regarding breastfeeding support in the workplace effective Aug. 7, 2008. Colorado employers are required to make accommodations for breastfeeding employees by providing time, support and space. The Northeast Colorado Health Department, through a Chronic Disease Prevention grant from CDPHE, can provide support to employers who are looking to update policies and create lactation spaces for their employees.

The Family Resource Center's new lactation room. (Courtesy photo)

With chronic disease funding, NCHD is able to take a multi-pronged approach to address prevention of chronic disease from the beginning of life. Breastfeeding is the healthiest and most beneficial start to life that any child can have. Policies, created in this area, help summarize the rationale, business benefits, health benefits, and the law. The policies also describe the accommodations and the expectations of all who come together within the company to make it possible.

According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, when companies provide this support, they see a 1:2 return on their investment. This is seen in the areas of retention of experienced employees, reduction in sick time taken by both moms and dads for children's illnesses and lower health care and insurance costs. Lactation programs also improve employee productivity, job satisfaction and can enhance the image of the company in the eyes of customers, potential employees and the community as a whole.

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Family Resource Center invites mothers in the Sterling community to use their lactation space as needed. If you would like to learn more about how your business can become a Breastfeeding-Friendly Employer please contact Ann Clouse at annc@nchd.org or (970)522-3741, Ext. 1255.

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